Emergency contacts
Hospital emergency
Accident & Emergency (A&E)
A & E services are for severe or life-threatening emergencies only, such as:
- loss of consciousness
- fits
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- severe bleeding, burns or allergic reactions.
In an emergency, phone 999.
Nearest hospital to SOAS:
University College Hospital
235 Euston Road
Fitzrovia
London
NW1 2BU
Non-emergencies
Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Care Centres can treat less serious illnesses and injuries, such as:
- strains and sprains
- broken bones
- infections and minor injuries
- burns and allergic reactions.
The NHS 111 service can provide advice or direct you to the most appropriate local service - just call 111 from any phone.
Nearest hospital to SOAS:
University College Hospital
235 Euston Road
Fitzrovia
London
NW1 2BU
NHS Choices
Visit the NHS website for general information on health.
The NHS has a helpline for non-emergency medical advice, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and free of charge from mobiles and landlines. Telephone 111 to speak to a healthcare professional who will ask questions to assess your condition and advise you on the next steps to take.
Emergency dental services
There are emergency dental walk-in clinics at Guy's Hospital and King's College Hospital. Early arrival is recommended as the services close once they have reached capacity, and long waits are to be expected. Emergency dental clinics local to SOAS can also be found online.
Homelessness
Crisis
If you are homeless, Crisis has information about direct access hostels and day centres. Volunteers are also welcome.
Visit the Crisis website, email london@crisis.org.uk or phone 0300 636 1967.
The Connection at St Martin's
Provides a place of safety and opportunity for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Services include a day & night centre, help in finding employment and specialist mental health & addiction support.
Visit The Connection's website, or phone 020 7766 5544.
Seeing a General Practitioner (GP)
Gower Street Practice
The Health Centre will see SOAS students who are not yet registered with a GP and is open from Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm.
Call 0207 467 6800 or visit the Gower Street Practice website.
Distress, despair, mental illness and substance abuse
Samaritans
If you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone, the Samaritans will provide confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Everything you say is confidential within Samaritans.
Contact jo@samaritians.org.uk, visit the Samaritans website or phone 0845 9090 90.
Saneline
National helpline offering support and information on all aspects of mental illness - visit the SANE website.
The Maudsley Hospital
Provides a wide range of NHS mental health services, including substance misuse services for problems with drugs and alcohol. Visit the Maudsley Hospital website.
Legal
Citizens Advice Bureau
For free advice on a wide range of topics, visit the CAB website.
CAB are often only able to offer advice to those who live or work within the area covered by that local authority or council. The CAB website has a local office search function.
Mary Ward Legal Centre
For free advice with legal matters and problems, visit the Mary Ward Legal Centre website.
Transport
Transport For London (TfL)
Find 24 hr travel and taxi information on the TfL website.